Marie Murphy

Marie Murphy School (MMS) is a middle school (grades 6-8) with very high learning expectations. We strongly believe in our core mission which is to ensure that every student is challenged and engaged in the learning process to the fullest extent possible, thus supporting the district’s mission of, “Maximizing the Unique Potential of Each Student”.

MMS is blessed with a state-of-the-art facility, where approximately 260 students are in attendance. The student body is a microcosm of the world-at-large, with over 20 different nationalities being recognized on our annual Fall Housing (Census) Report. Our diversity yields enriching cultural exchanges, wide ranging student talents, and, of course, richly textured classroom discussions. Our students develop a world view that is compassionate and well-informed. They are often inspired to participate in outreach projects that benefit local, state, national, and international service organizations. Simply put, our students take great pride in learning to make a difference in the lives of others.

Collaborative teacher teams that regulate instruction and monitor student learning are the heart of our operation. Each grade level has, in effect, its own master schedule and is centered around a core of five full-time teachers. Each core academic class is one-hour in duration while physical education, foreign language, and the allied arts classes (art, music, home arts, and speech & theatre) are conducted in forty minute periods.

The goal in every classroom is to engage students into higher levels of thinking (inquiry), while also addressing motivational and other affective needs that students might have. Technology is seamlessly woven into classroom instruction to both facilitate the learning process and to promote greater student achievement. Every student is bolstered by being assigned his/her own laptop (with internet connectivity when at home or at school).

Our students have consistently earned accolades for their outstanding performances on state assessments and local achievement tests, and in local/state academic competitions. Recognition of these learning accomplishments is done frequently during the year on this web site (along with other accomplishments as well–so please check-in often).

As you read through our web pages we hope you find the experience to be both informative and instructive. We also are interested in your reactions or insights, whether pertaining to our web site, or to specific programs in our school. These may be shared by e-mailing me at palcerm@avoca37.org or by your blogging entries.